[VIDEO] Small Batch, Single Serving Tiramisu for YOU

By SweetnSpicyLiving on February 7, 2026 • ( 2 Comments )

Ever since I started making homemade Tiramisu, I cannot stop making it whenever there is an occasion. Actually, even without any occasion, I make it as my special treat for a normal day. Then just like that, my not so special day became special 🙂 all because of this delicious simple Tiramisu.

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A Single Serve, Just For YOU

This version is a single serve, double decker Tiramisu. It’s more like free form because hug don’t need any glass to bakeware to arrange it. This Tiramisu is arranged directly on a plate, so once chilled, you’re all set to dig in! Almost like a slice of Tiramisu cake in a plate. All you need is a spoon and start enjoying it.

Dangerously Delicious Treat

What inspired me to make it? I would say my addiction to Tiramisu, lol. I love Tiramisu so much but, if you’ve tried Titamisu or made one yourself, you know that Tiramisu is not really the healthiest dessert, in fact the opposite. It is absolutely delicious, no doubt but hold your myself in eating it. It is an indulgent decadent dessert so eat at your own risk.

Layers of Lady Fingers & Mascarpone Cheese

Tiramisu is a simple layers of lady fingers layered and topped with whipped cream and mascarpone cheese. So you see how I say it is indulgent and decadent? This is exactly the reason why I thought of making just a single serving. For anyone there who doesn’t need an entire tray of Tiramisu but still want to enjoy it, let’s make this single serve Tiramisu, we deserve it!

Easy, No Egg Single Serving

Making this single serve Tiramisu is not as different from making my other Tiramisu for Two . The huge difference… this one is just for you, it is single serving .. oh well you can share if you want to.

About This Recipe

Ease in Making the Recipe: You might be surprise when I tell you that making Tiramisu is really easy. In fact, this is even easier than making a basic cake. Making Tiramisu doesn’t require baking, no oven needed. The store-bought lady fingers is the base ingredient that replaces the sponge cake. The most that you need to do is to beat the mascarpone cheese and cream. The rest of the steps are just layering the lady fingers and cheese, and a generous dusting of cocoa powder on top.
Ingredients: 5 ingredients are all you need to make the decadent Tiramisu and the ingredients are easy to find.
Texture, Taste & Flavor: Soft and fluffy soaked lady fingers with a nice layers of creamy mascarpone cheese.
Make-Ahead: Yes you can make this ahead of time. I personally like making this a day ahead because I like the lady fingers to soak on the espresso and the whipped cheese. However, if you are in a hurry, you can also serve this the same day you make it, just like the table side Tiramisu that I was talking about earlier. If this is what you want to do, add a bit more whip cream to the mixture so that you get a more fluid consistency for pouring on top of the lady finger layers.

Tips in Making Tiramisu

Use the right kind of biscuit

Tiramisu is traditionally made with ladyfingers biscuits. These soft cookies, known as savoiardi, are a delicate biscuit that easily soaks up the coffee flavor that gives tiramisu its flavor. Ladyfingers are the only biscuit you should use for tiramisu because of the optimal texture is perfect for absorption yet still maintains its shape while the tiramisu is setting. You can make your own ladyfingers, but the best and easiest way is to use a store-bought. This will save you a LOT of time.

Leaving the ladyfingers in the coffee for too long

Ladyfingers biscuit is a very delicate airy biscuit. Dipping the ladyfingers longer than 1-2 seconds each side will make the biscuit break and dissolve. You want the biscuit to soak the flavor of the coffee without breaking it. There is a narrow window for dipping your ladyfingers in coffee or espresso. Coating each side is important because tiramisu is a layered cake and needs that infusion on all sides.

Do NOT over whipped the mascarpone cheese

Mascarpone is a sweetened cheese that can make or break your tiramisu. The high fat content of the mascarpone causes it to curdle easier than other types of cheeses and creams. When your mascarpone is over-whipped, it will start to resemble the texture of cottage cheese. To avoid this from happening, make sure to use cold mascarpone cheese and whip it only until mix with the sugar and cream. You can manually mix it with a spatula to scrap the sides of the bowl and to do few more fold.

Use a whisk to whip the cream

Whether you are using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, whisk the cream using a whisk attachment.This will increase the amount of air going into the whipped cream and aid in the whipping process.

Use a strong coffee

For best result, use a strong coffee or a brewed coffee if you have any. For most people who do not have access to brewed coffee ( like me), instant coffee could work but it will not give a stong coffee flavor. A strong coffee flavor is ideal to give the biscuit a boost.

Even ladyfingers & mascarpone layers

Tiramisu is a layered cake, hence getting the right and balance layers of biscuit and cream is essential. You want alternating layers of biscuit and cream in every bite. One thing I dislike with some store-bought tiramisu is having too much mascarpone cheese leaving one a pice or 2 of the biscuit. This is why homemade tiramisu is better. You can be generous with the ladyfingers and cream.

Chill It

For the creamiest, stable tiramisu recipe, you must refrigerate the tiramisu for at least a few hours before serving. A minimum of six hours is ideal to allow the flavor to intensify and for the cream to harden. This makes for a great slicing when serving it.

Ingredients for Tiramisu

Whipping Cream – The whip cream will help make the cream filling lighter, smoother and more fluid. Do not substitute with anything else.
Mascarpone Cheese – For traditional Tiramisu, go for mascarpone cheese. Some recipe uses cream cheese but it will not taste the same. It will be more like a no bake cheese cake that Tiramisu.
Icing Sugar – To sweeten the cheese. Icing sugar or confectioners sugar has a finer texture that dissolves better when whip. This will produce a smoother cream filling without any grainy texture.
Brewed Coffee/Regular Coffee – If you have access to brewed coffee at home, that will be the best one to use. Brewed coffee are stronger and will give better coffee flavor. If you do n to have this (like me), instant coffee powder can be a substitute. Another option is to buy coffee from cafe and make sure to have it black.
Cocoa Powder – No substitute for this one. This will be use for siting on top, the signature look of Tiramisu.

Overview on How to Make Tiramisu

Make the Coffee
Make the Cream Filling – As usual, we’re making the cream and mascarpone mixture. This is as easy as mixing them together, along with small amount of icing sugar and pure vanilla extract.
Soak the ladyfingers in the coffee – Let’s start dipping the lady fingers to the coffee. Make it quick! Simply dip and lift. Tiramisu is very fragile and when dipped longer will break and fall apart.
Arrange the soak lady fingers on a plate – Once that is done, arrange the layers in the plate. We’re making 2 layers only but you can make it up to 3 layers. Simply divide the cream by 3. You will have a lot more lady fingers with 3 layers which I sometimes do. But today, I’m feeling just 2 layers, we’re keeping it conservative.
Chill – Now can we at it right away? Yes of course! But I personally like chilling it first for at least 1 hour to allow the lady fingers soak with the cream. The longer it soak, the softer it will be, almost like a sponge cake texture. Chill at least 1 hour or leave overnight.
Dust with Cocoa Powder – Ready to serve? Ok, let’s dust the top with cocoa powder, make sure no cream is peaking. Cover the top fully.

Once that’s done, dig in!! I added mint leaves on top just for aesthetics but you don’t have to. I like to make it pretty even if it is just for myself 🙂 because why not? Oftentimes we only make food beautiful if we are serving it for other people, but I think we should make an effort to make it special for ourself. Self care, self love ❤️

Small Batch Single‑Serving Tiramisu for One (Quick No‑Bake Coffee Dessert)

When you’re craving tiramisu but don’t want to commit to a whole pan, this Small Batch Single‑Serving Tiramisu hits the spot. It’s creamy, coffee‑soaked, and layered with just enough mascarpone to feel indulgent without going overboard. The best part is how fast it comes together—no baking, no fuss, just a cozy little dessert made for one perfect moment of sweetness.

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Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings: 1

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

125 ml Whipping Cream
50 grams Mascarpone Cheese
25 grams Icing Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract optional
1/2 cup Brewed Coffee/Regular Coffee
6 pieces Lady Fingers
1 teaspoon Cocoa Powder

Equipment

Hand Mixer

Method

Make the Coffee: Mix hot water and instant coffee powder.
*** If you have access to brewed coffee, that would be better.
Make the Cream Filling: Pour the cold whipping cream in the bowl. Sift the icing sugar. Add pure vanilla extract. Whisk until soft peaks. Add the mascarpone cheese and mix until just combined.
Soak the lady Fingers in the coffee. Quickly soak the lady fingers in the coffee. Do NOT soak for too long as the lady fingers will break. Simply, dip while making sure both sides are wet then lift immediately.
Arrange the soak lady fingers and cream in a glass – Arrange the soak lady fingers in layers. Lady fingers, then layer of cream, then lady fingers then cream. Use a spatula to level the top.
*** If you are using a large container, you can have more layers. I did only 2 layers as I was using a small serving glass.
Chill: Cover with clingwrap and chill at least 1 hour or leave overnight. Do NOT dust with cocoa powder before chilling as the cocoa powder could absorb the moisture from the refrigerator and it will get wet.
Serve: Dust cocoa powder on top before serving.

Notes

Use mascarpone cheese to get the traditional Tiramisu taste
Do NOT soak the lady fingers for long. Dip quickly then lift. Lady fingers are airy cookie that absorb liquid quickly. Soaking for a long time will break the Tiramisu.
Do NOT dust with cocoa powder before chilling as the cocoa powder could absorb the moisture from the refrigerator and it will get wet.

Recipe Notes:

Use mascarpone cheese to get the traditional Tiramisu taste
Do NOT soak the lady fingers for long. Dip quickly then lift. Lady fingers are airy cookie that absorb liquid quickly. Soaking for a long time will break the Tiramisu.
Do NOT dust with cocoa powder before chilling as the cocoa powder could absorb the moisture from the refrigerator and it will get wet.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information was calculated using Veryfitwell Recipe Calorie and Nutrition Calculator. For details about Nutritional Information in this website, please read the Disclaimer page.

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